United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and his accompanying delegation visited the headquarters of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh on Thursday.
During the visit, he met with Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, as well as a number of the center’s senior officials, in the presence of Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, SPA reported.
Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between KSrelief and the various UN organizations.
During the meeting, a visual presentation was given on the center’s projects and programs, which have so far reached 3,881 projects in 109 countries, with a total value exceeding $8 billion.
These include specialized initiatives such as the Prosthetic Programs, the Masam Project for clearing landmines in Yemen, the program for reintegrating Yemeni children previously associated with armed conflict, in addition to voluntary medical programs, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, and the establishment of digital humanitarian, volunteer, documentation, and international registration platforms, among many other significant humanitarian initiatives.
Guterres then toured the permanent exhibition in the center’s main hall, which features an interactive map showing countries benefiting from KSrelief projects, audiovisual storytelling stations showcasing impactful humanitarian stories, a screen highlighting the center’s volunteer programs, and a section allowing visitors to write humanitarian messages.
The exhibition also includes virtual reality goggles that let visitors experience the daily lives of refugees and displaced people.
He also met with several Saudi medical volunteers participating in medical missions implemented outside the Kingdom and listened to their personal experiences in carrying out the center’s volunteer projects.
Afterward, he visited the offices of KSrelief’s partner organizations and international agencies, where representatives briefed him on their joint work with the center.
Guterres later affirmed in a press statement to SPA that the Kingdom has maintained its firm commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, particularly during these challenging times in which humanitarian aid is, regrettably, no longer as widespread globally as it once was.
Guterres noted that KSrelief stands as a prominent model of generosity, dedication, efficiency, and the exceptional quality of services it provides to those affected and most in need in numerous countries, including Yemen, Somalia, Syria, and others. He added that visiting the center offers a clear view of the remarkable humanitarian work it carries out and reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to this noble approach.
He also praised the center’s success in building an extensive global network of partnerships, demonstrating its professionalism and leadership in humanitarian work.
